(he stops when water hits his ankles, lowering the phone to straighten shoulders bared to the sun. it's a moment he must take to consider spock's words seriously and to redirect his attention to the connection that touching each other's minds has undoubtedly formed between them.
kirk wishes he could feel it and that its presence had been known to him for the past two years. he thinks now that he might've liked to have that reassurance as if spock's distress were a private alarm in his head. his focus now is on nothing but a mental nudge, willing it across their divide before he realizes that standing there with his eyes tightly closed might look foolish to anyone adventurous enough to find his end of the beach.
he ought to get out of the heat.)
You'll have to warn me if I'm pressing you or forcing your hand.
(it'll require more thought, but, for now, it's easier to relent when spock makes a compelling point.)
The entire Federation believes you're all adepts, which is an asset and an advantage, so we'll keep reality between us. I am not surprised, however, to find that you're uncommonly exceptional at it, Mr. Spock. Of course, I've seen you perform the action through walls and so forth. Always a very interesting display.
A loss will always be tragic, even if you believe in the continuation of the soul. I think I understand, however. I'd think it better to know the fate of someone we crossed paths with.
It is pleasing to have you say so, Captain. I did not question your estimation of the usefulness of my father's gifts, merely wished to convey the risk and lack thereof appropriately. I will offer warning where it is needed.
[ There is an itching at the base of his skull. Not unpleasant, not painful, but recognizably dear. It's a similar pull to the one he'd felt after bonding with T'Pring, after his first sense of awareness that he needed to return to her side in adulthood.
It's a question shouted into a void, and only one of them can know if it has been heard.
Spock's mouth is drawn into a thin line after a momentary purse, tilting his gaze skyward in purposeful appreciation of the beautiful day. It's not a wholly fitting distraction from this sensation blossoming in his chest, but it's serviceable. ]
Jim.
[ After a short pause. ]
Because you are unable to understand telepathic sensitivity in the way that a Vulcan might, I believe the usage of comparison may aid in furthering your knowledge.
Think of the mind as a dwelling. If I am present inside of it, shielding myself from the thoughts and feelings of others, you may assume that it is as if I have drawn the curtains and refused to see those outside. This is common. However, if someone has specific intent to communicate with me, this could be compared to a knock at the door. Even with the curtains obscuring my view of the outside world, I do hear it.
Do you understand? [ do you know how embarrassing you are ]
(how many times in two years, four months, and eleven days has he had specific intent to communicate with spock?
that is the question that makes him hinge at the hip to splash a hot face with cool water, ignoring what is doubtfully a sunburn. the patient explanation doesn't help either, knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that, instead of politely knocking at the door, he's been slamming his fists against it.)
I hope I didn't disturb you. It's been a challenge to conceptualize because it's rare that I feel anything on my end. I think I might've overcorrected a bit.
Mr. Spock, I've never known you to turn down a challenge. My home could only be the Enterprise and you know where to find me. It's all a matter of want.
That's right, we have quite a few times. Five now, isn't it?
(spock has performed mind melds with him in the presence of romulans, the natives of amerind, the melkotians, their own people aboard the enterprise. only once, the most recent time, were they alone.
kirk's better situated to attempt a gentler contact now, sitting in the shallows where the ebb and flow of the ocean pulls grains of sand from beneath his feet. the knock is finally a knock. it helps to apply spock's more straightforward lessons in meditation and his own robust imagination, literally envisioning the door to his quarters.
To say entirely conclusively, when on some nights he's instinctively responded to Kirk's mind's bid for contact with a half-open door, is difficult.
But he does know that no matter what Kirk's assumption is, the true number is higher. And in spite of all the things they've shared with one another, painful or joyous, this is one he will keep from him.
His gaze softens, lids heavy as his head tilts and he focuses on the far quieter prodding seeking to distract him from unwise memories. I'd like to see you appears in his mind like a thought of his very own, and the familiar pain in his skull at the swelling of resultant emotion is quickly repressed. ]
We will see one another soon. You still have a considerable amount of time left for yourself, Captain.
(to receive confirmation that spock is hearing him is undeniably satisfying, causing a barely restrained giddiness to loiter in the intimate place between their minds.
later, the sobering thoughts will come as he reflects on the day and he'll have to broach a subject he's unsure how to navigate. for now, however, he'd like to do as he's told and try to unwind. it's a predictable chore to convince the captain of the enterprise to stay in one spot for long.)
Relaxation is relaxation, isn't it? Does it really matter where I rest and with whom? Either way, I'm getting out of the sun before my skin turns an uncomfortable shade of red.
[ The response is so immediate but not more so than his emotional reaction, a sense of ease and excitement that bubbles up between them and has the distinct tones of his captain. It's been a long time since he's seen him so happy... if he ever has. Truly, really happy, not simply distracted from work that offers both stress and fulfillment in equal measure, but stimulated and enjoying this experience to the fullest.
It would be illogical to discount his own involvement in influencing Kirk's mood because Kirk has had the same effect on him. ]
I have not.
[ And the thought alone is enough to inspire his first direct effort to reach Kirk's mind.
The image of rays of light hitting blue waters, refracted in sharp flashes and the brilliant glinting of jewel-like shine on the crests of gentle waves... All paired with the searing, unavoidable knowledge that they too will burn Kirk's skin just as effectively, rendering his new plan utterly unserviceable. ]
Vulcans do not share the human desire to submerge themselves in water for leisure. You are aware of this.
(in his surveil of the sea, it's as if another is layered on top of it. a sunspot in his vision that causes his sight to momentarily swim, thoughts inclined to stray to the momentary "intrusion" to sort his own impressions of the ocean from spock's.
it feels so distinctly like him that it'd be impossible to miss his presence, but the message is received through a filter. distance, perhaps, or a weak connection.)
I am, but that'll never stop me from asking.
(he's asked the vulcan to accompany him to an argelian café, knowing full well the idea would be met with a raised brow. if it'd all been in poor taste someone might've told him so, but there'll never be an event of interest he fails to invite spock to.
his company will always be welcome and always be sought out.)
I saw what you wished to send me and it's amazing, Spock. I doubt I'll ever get used to it, but in a good way, of that I'm certain. However, I'm having some difficulty determining the meaning behind the images. They're perhaps easier for me to sense than specific thoughts are.
Words might get lost in the transference, but they say that a picture is worth one thousand.
[ A fair assessment. How would his own time spent with humans go, after all, if he abandoned them to their illogic after the first attempt to get them to see the errors in their behavior? Perhaps his resistance to human ways and their resistance to Vulcan ways both need to be overcome... with certain sharp stipulations, of course. Should he make more of an effort?
Should he go scuba-diving? ]
I attempted to impress upon you both image and intention. The latter is perhaps still too complex.
Did you experience any sensation of discomfort? I will not proceed with refining this method of communication if I sense any risk to you.
[ But it is satisfying – and a bit humbling – to realize that he had succeeded at all. That they had succeeded. ]
The double vision was disorienting for a moment, but it wasn't painful. Not at all, in fact; it was rather pleasant.
(there's salt on the breeze coming from the sea, fine particles of water misting his skin when the next wave pounds crystalline rock face. it's nostalgic and makes him think this is what i've wanted all along.
spock should know that, so he tells him. focusing on sensation, he shares his own picture without words.)
(in an already perfect moment, all that could make it better is to have spock physically at his side. if he were, he'd feel emboldened to touch him again, a slip of fingers into his, a deep lean against his shoulder.)
Good.
(kirk takes a deep breath and draws himself out of the water for the final time, catching his linens and shaking out a sandy towel.)
Between my brush with danger and our discussion, have you become distracted from your tour of the museum? I'd act apologetic, but I'm starting to think I had ulterior motives.
I'd like to join you, Spock, or take you out to dinner.
[ His awareness of the world around him has been muted as he speaks to his t'hy'la, more interested in the inner workings of the man's mind than the outer workings of anyone else's. But now, when he calls attention to where he isn't, the cacophony of his surroundings crashes into him all at once, somehow both too chaotic and far too empty. What he seeks is solitude, but solitude with him.
Keen brown eyes reread his captain's invitation as it's meant to be read, having been asked on countless occasions in the past to join him for dinner or a late night briefing but this is different. There are certain human implications that accompany the phrase "take you out" and his awareness of that carries with it knowledge of Kirk's awareness. ]
I left the exhibits some time ago. It was a disservice both to them and to you for me to divide my attentions.
There's a restaurant, Elisium, by the Sky Whale Flotilla. When we first arrived, I made a point to look into it; they serve primarily seafood, but the menu is robust. They'll have plenty of options to choose from.
(for the past few months, spock's dietary restrictions have been at the forefront of his mind. it's little wonder now why kirk's begun to see menus in a different light, and he's happy to report that he's found a restaurant that harmonizes with his high expectations.)
How does 1830 sound? We could walk there together from the cabana.
[ James Kirk is a man who thinks ahead. Even knowing this, his answer is provided with an almost suspicious speed.
His own reply, however, is more thought out and far more inscrutable, as if even in matters like these there are certain tacit Vulcan expectations to be met. ]
I am familiar with the restaurant to which you refer and am quite certain I would prefer to meet you there directly. I presume this will be suitable.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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(he stops when water hits his ankles, lowering the phone to straighten shoulders bared to the sun. it's a moment he must take to consider spock's words seriously and to redirect his attention to the connection that touching each other's minds has undoubtedly formed between them.
kirk wishes he could feel it and that its presence had been known to him for the past two years. he thinks now that he might've liked to have that reassurance as if spock's distress were a private alarm in his head. his focus now is on nothing but a mental nudge, willing it across their divide before he realizes that standing there with his eyes tightly closed might look foolish to anyone adventurous enough to find his end of the beach.
he ought to get out of the heat.)
You'll have to warn me if I'm pressing you or forcing your hand.
(it'll require more thought, but, for now, it's easier to relent when spock makes a compelling point.)
The entire Federation believes you're all adepts, which is an asset and an advantage, so we'll keep reality between us. I am not surprised, however, to find that you're uncommonly exceptional at it, Mr. Spock. Of course, I've seen you perform the action through walls and so forth. Always a very interesting display.
A loss will always be tragic, even if you believe in the continuation of the soul. I think I understand, however. I'd think it better to know the fate of someone we crossed paths with.
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[ There is an itching at the base of his skull. Not unpleasant, not painful, but recognizably dear. It's a similar pull to the one he'd felt after bonding with T'Pring, after his first sense of awareness that he needed to return to her side in adulthood.
It's a question shouted into a void, and only one of them can know if it has been heard.
Spock's mouth is drawn into a thin line after a momentary purse, tilting his gaze skyward in purposeful appreciation of the beautiful day. It's not a wholly fitting distraction from this sensation blossoming in his chest, but it's serviceable. ]
Jim.
[ After a short pause. ]
Because you are unable to understand telepathic sensitivity in the way that a Vulcan might, I believe the usage of comparison may aid in furthering your knowledge.
Think of the mind as a dwelling. If I am present inside of it, shielding myself from the thoughts and feelings of others, you may assume that it is as if I have drawn the curtains and refused to see those outside. This is common. However, if someone has specific intent to communicate with me, this could be compared to a knock at the door. Even with the curtains obscuring my view of the outside world, I do hear it.
Do you understand? [ do you know how embarrassing you are ]
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that is the question that makes him hinge at the hip to splash a hot face with cool water, ignoring what is doubtfully a sunburn. the patient explanation doesn't help either, knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that, instead of politely knocking at the door, he's been slamming his fists against it.)
2/2
I hope I didn't disturb you. It's been a challenge to conceptualize because it's rare that I feel anything on my end. I think I might've overcorrected a bit.
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[ Yeah no he's not even remotely about to throw a life-line to make this easier. ]
Understand that if my mind is a house, yours is also. It is simply that the man inside is deaf.
It is possible that I could reach you in return, but it would not be simple. Your mind is not physically designed in such a way to receive me.
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Mr. Spock, I've never known you to turn down a challenge. My home could only be the Enterprise and you know where to find me. It's all a matter of want.
Were the disruptions unwelcome?
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2/2
Your attempt to reach my mind seven minutes and forty-three seconds ago, however, was not.
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Persistent and unnecessary, but I'm not reading any dissuasion.
With all that I know now, I think I ought to try again. I'll only get better with practice. How about it?
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I believe we have established that you can successfully get my attention, Captain.
I told you that repeated joining of minds deepened the connection between individuals. There is no one with whom I have melded more.
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(spock has performed mind melds with him in the presence of romulans, the natives of amerind, the melkotians, their own people aboard the enterprise. only once, the most recent time, were they alone.
kirk's better situated to attempt a gentler contact now, sitting in the shallows where the ebb and flow of the ocean pulls grains of sand from beneath his feet. the knock is finally a knock. it helps to apply spock's more straightforward lessons in meditation and his own robust imagination, literally envisioning the door to his quarters.
i'd like to see you.)
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To say entirely conclusively, when on some nights he's instinctively responded to Kirk's mind's bid for contact with a half-open door, is difficult.
But he does know that no matter what Kirk's assumption is, the true number is higher. And in spite of all the things they've shared with one another, painful or joyous, this is one he will keep from him.
His gaze softens, lids heavy as his head tilts and he focuses on the far quieter prodding seeking to distract him from unwise memories. I'd like to see you appears in his mind like a thought of his very own, and the familiar pain in his skull at the swelling of resultant emotion is quickly repressed. ]
We will see one another soon. You still have a considerable amount of time left for yourself, Captain.
no subject
later, the sobering thoughts will come as he reflects on the day and he'll have to broach a subject he's unsure how to navigate. for now, however, he'd like to do as he's told and try to unwind. it's a predictable chore to convince the captain of the enterprise to stay in one spot for long.)
Relaxation is relaxation, isn't it? Does it really matter where I rest and with whom? Either way, I'm getting out of the sun before my skin turns an uncomfortable shade of red.
Have you ever been scuba diving?
(stop him quickly)
no subject
It would be illogical to discount his own involvement in influencing Kirk's mood because Kirk has had the same effect on him. ]
I have not.
[ And the thought alone is enough to inspire his first direct effort to reach Kirk's mind.
The image of rays of light hitting blue waters, refracted in sharp flashes and the brilliant glinting of jewel-like shine on the crests of gentle waves... All paired with the searing, unavoidable knowledge that they too will burn Kirk's skin just as effectively, rendering his new plan utterly unserviceable. ]
Vulcans do not share the human desire to submerge themselves in water for leisure. You are aware of this.
no subject
it feels so distinctly like him that it'd be impossible to miss his presence, but the message is received through a filter. distance, perhaps, or a weak connection.)
I am, but that'll never stop me from asking.
(he's asked the vulcan to accompany him to an argelian café, knowing full well the idea would be met with a raised brow. if it'd all been in poor taste someone might've told him so, but there'll never be an event of interest he fails to invite spock to.
his company will always be welcome and always be sought out.)
I saw what you wished to send me and it's amazing, Spock. I doubt I'll ever get used to it, but in a good way, of that I'm certain. However, I'm having some difficulty determining the meaning behind the images. They're perhaps easier for me to sense than specific thoughts are.
Words might get lost in the transference, but they say that a picture is worth one thousand.
no subject
Should he go scuba-diving? ]
I attempted to impress upon you both image and intention. The latter is perhaps still too complex.
Did you experience any sensation of discomfort? I will not proceed with refining this method of communication if I sense any risk to you.
[ But it is satisfying – and a bit humbling – to realize that he had succeeded at all. That they had succeeded. ]
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(there's salt on the breeze coming from the sea, fine particles of water misting his skin when the next wave pounds crystalline rock face. it's nostalgic and makes him think this is what i've wanted all along.
spock should know that, so he tells him. focusing on sensation, he shares his own picture without words.)
It doesn't hurt you, does it?
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This is what I've wanted all along.
The sense of connection is as natural as if he had been born with it, a thought that feeds his next words. ]
It doesn't. I have significant doubts that my linking with your mind could ever cause me serious discomfort again. It has become familiar to me.
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Good.
(kirk takes a deep breath and draws himself out of the water for the final time, catching his linens and shaking out a sandy towel.)
Between my brush with danger and our discussion, have you become distracted from your tour of the museum? I'd act apologetic, but I'm starting to think I had ulterior motives.
I'd like to join you, Spock, or take you out to dinner.
1/3
Keen brown eyes reread his captain's invitation as it's meant to be read, having been asked on countless occasions in the past to join him for dinner or a late night briefing but this is different. There are certain human implications that accompany the phrase "take you out" and his awareness of that carries with it knowledge of Kirk's awareness. ]
I left the exhibits some time ago. It was a disservice both to them and to you for me to divide my attentions.
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3/3
Where and when might I meet you?
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(for the past few months, spock's dietary restrictions have been at the forefront of his mind. it's little wonder now why kirk's begun to see menus in a different light, and he's happy to report that he's found a restaurant that harmonizes with his high expectations.)
How does 1830 sound? We could walk there together from the cabana.
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His own reply, however, is more thought out and far more inscrutable, as if even in matters like these there are certain tacit Vulcan expectations to be met. ]
I am familiar with the restaurant to which you refer and am quite certain I would prefer to meet you there directly. I presume this will be suitable.
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